PICTURES of an armed robber who thanked a female worker as he escaped after a raid on a betting shop have been released by police.

As the man left the William Hill shop, Adswood Road, Cale Green, Stockport, he said to the terrified 26-year-old woman: "Thank you very much love, see you again."

He had earlier threatened her with a handgun after entering the shop at about 10am on March 5.

The woman first saw the offender, who spoke to her, waiting outside as she opened the shop. After unlocking the front door she walked back towards the counter before turning to see the man holding a gun. A second man waited at the door. Two customers entered the shop as the robbery was taking place.

No shots were fired during the incident and no one was hurt.

Det Con Paul Owen said: "This was a terrifying experience for the woman working in the shop and it's important the two men involved in this crime are caught and brought to justice.

"I am confident someone will recognise the man carrying the gun from the CCTV footage and I would ask anyone with any information to contact police as soon as possible. Greater Manchester Police will not tolerate people who carry guns and use them to commit robberies."

The man who was carrying the gun is white, about 5ft 6in tall, aged 30, of slim build with a slim face and prominent cheekbones.

He spoke with an Irish accent and was wearing a workman's yellow vest, a black hooded top, black trousers with white paint on the legs and white trainers.

The second man who waited at the door is described as approximately 6ft tall and stocky.